When Matthew Dicks spoke at our library a few weeks ago he emphasized that, contrary to what one might think after reading this novel, he is not and never has been a burglar. That is, I admit, a little hard to believe after finishing Something Missing! If Matt has never actually burgled, he certainly could take it up as a 16th career if the other 15 don't pan out!
Martin is a thief. He is a fascinating character, meticulous about preparation, suffering from OCD, and highly intelligent. He also has a well-developed sense of right and wrong and never steals anything that someone would really miss or that would have a negative impact on their lives. Martin's "clients" all fall solidly into the upper middle class, well-to-do but not wealthy. They are usually childless, married, dual career couples who are completely unaware that someone has been visiting their homes repeatedly, sometimes for years, and taking odd pieces of jewelry, extra groceries and household products, and other things that will not be noticed. Martin leads a comfortable life, living in the home he inherited from his mother and working part-time at Starbucks for the benefits. After reading a poorly written set of directions he has invented a fake "career" for himself as a writer of instruction manuals. Martin has never hurt anyone and he has never been caught.
After a close call at the home of a client, Martin begins a new and not entirely welcome phase of his career, breaking his own rules and taking chances to "save" several his clients from near disaster, while in the process risking his own life and livelyhood and coming to the realization that perhaps it is time for change, maybe even love.
Something Missing explores a "criminal" mind from an entirely new perspective, illustrating both the big gray area between black and white and the fine line between good and bad. Martin is a character unlike any other I have encountered in my reading. I look forward to reading more by Matthew Dicks!
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